The Petmate automatic pet feeder can be programmed to dispense up to 3 feedings per day. The battery-operated device provides serving sizes from half a cup of dry food to 2 cups at preselected times. The dispenser can handle various kibble sizes.
It is stylishly designed and features an easy to read LCD display with three simple programming buttons. The clear plastic hopper lets you see how much food is left, so you know when it’s time to refill the unit. The secure twist lock on the lid keeps the food fresh
Automatic Pet Feeder to Prevent Obesity
The Petmate Portion Right is highly recommended by veterinarians because it prevents pets from over or under eating. Each portion is designed specifically for the needs of your pet.
Several small portions per day is also healthier because one large meal per day is harder to digest. With smaller meals, your pet can burn off the food before the next scheduled feeding, which is better for his system and helps him maintain a healthy weight.
The sleek design of the unit has a brushed nickel base with a clear plastic hopper. The chute is designed to prevent pets from reaching into the hopper for extra food, and the three-button control is very easy to programme. It uses three D sized batteries, not included in the purchase.
The low battery indicator light tells you when the batteries are growing weak and should be replaced. Replacing the batteries is as simple as removing one little screw and putting the new batteries in, then replacing the cap.
The instructions use cups as the unit of measurement. This measurement isn’t common in the UK, so you might have to experiment a bit to find out how much each portion should be and then convert this measurement into cups for programming. Before leaving your pet at home alone with the unit, try it a few times to make sure he is getting enough food.
The feeding bowl is removable and dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. The outside of the unit can be cleaned with a damp cloth. There isn’t much need to clean the inside of the hopper because the twist-lock lid keeps out dirt and dust, and keeps the food fresh.
If you do wash the inside, make sure it is completely dry before adding food. The moisture can damage the food and may promote the growth of mold and mildew.
Problems With the Petmate Automatic Feeder
The unit is easy to use and easy to assemble, however, there are a few drawbacks. The batteries aren’t included, so that adds about £10 to the cost. But, if you buy good quality batteries, they will last well over a year.
The portion control part of the machine is not very sturdy. However, it is tough enough to stand up to normal use. Only a few users found this to be a problem with super rumbustious pets. The threading on the battery unit is also a bit flimsy, but luckily you don’t have to change the batteries often, so this isn’t too much of a bother.
Tips for Using the Petmate
- Set the time by pressing the enter button once, and moving the up the down buttons to select the correct time. There are three meal settings. Hold down the enter button for two seconds and use the up and down button to select the time of each feeding. Select the serving size of the feedings and you are all set.
- Test the unit in your presence before trusting it alone with your pet.
- Oddly shaped or extremely large kibbles sometimes jam the chute. Choose round, medium-sized kibbles for optimum performance.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Is this product durable?
Yes. This pet feeder is built tough to last for many years, under normal use. If your pet is extremely rumbustious, it could wear out faster, but in general, it is very durable.
Batteries are expensive. Is there any other power source I can use?
No. The unit runs on 3 D sized batteries. Good quality batteries are expensive, but they at least a year, so the cost is minimal.
Is the Petmate easy to use?
Yes, it is very simple to programme and very easy to refill. One hopper full will last a couple of weeks, depending on how much your pet eats, so maintenance is a snap. Just fill the hopper, programme the feedings and forget about it for two weeks or more.
How big is this unit?
It measures 28 x 28 x 33 cm and weighs about 2 kg.
Conclusion
The Petmate Portion Right Programmable pet feeder is the solution to a busy lifestyle. Even if you never leave your pet alone for more than normal working hours, it is still a great investment because it will make your life easier.
Simply fill the hopper, programme the feeding times and for weeks you won’t have to worry about whether or not your pet has been fed. Just keep an eye on the hopper to make sure it stays full enough. The low battery indicator light tells you when it’s time to replace the batteries, so you have no worries at all.
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